Record Everything From Drums to Vocals With the Iconic AKG C414!

Since the release of the legendary C 414 microphone in 1971, AKG has ushered in a wealth of technical performance improvements to maximize headroom, sensitivity, and linearity -- all while maintaining the classic "414 sound" best described as a flattering, gentle low-mids frequency dip that can tame an instrument or singer's harsh edges. With the release of the C 414 B-TL II in the early 1990s, AKG delivered a presence boost reminiscent of the CK-12 capsule, well-suited to lead vocal and solo instrument recording.

Today, the C 414 XL II succeeds the TL II with improved detail between 4 kHz and 10 kHz. In plain English, this mic brings vocals and solo instruments to the forefront of a mix. The XL II also shines in distance mic applications, banishing muddy, boxy sound and bringing clarity and spatial reproduction to rooms and ensembles. Reaffirming the must-have status of this classic mic, the AKG C 414 XL II rises to any occasion with an incredible nine pickup patterns.

Yes, Nine Pickup Patterns

Sonically and physically, the C 414 XL II resembles its famous predecessor. But as soon as you plug in phantom power and touch the rocking switch to cycle through omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and bidirectional figure-8, you'll find that LEDs illuminate to reveal four intermediate settings between these five patterns for a grand total of nine polar patterns. Dial in an exact pattern to match any instrument or performer, and lock your choice of pickup pattern by holding the switch for 3 seconds. The XL II is so advanced, it "remembers" its pickup pattern setting. So if you've got an orchestral setup or a big drum kit with mics hanging everywhere and your phantom power is momentarily interrupted, your C 414 XL II mics will come right back to the settings where you left them when power is restored.

Four-Position High-Pass Filter

If you're recording a vocalist who's also playing acoustic guitar, you may try using figure-8 mode to get a tighter sound on the vocal while rejecting the guitar in the null point of the figure-8 pattern. On the other side of the C 414 XL II, you'll find a four-position bass-cut filter, adjustable to 40 Hz, 80 Hz, or 160 Hz. Select 160 Hz to offset the bass-boost that goes along with the proximity effect inherent to a figure-8 pattern, and there you have it: a tight vocal sound with a minimum of cranking around on an EQ. LEDs illuminate your choice of high-pass frequency for quick visual confirmation from the rear of the mic. (And speaking of quick visual confirmation, the front grill of the XL II is bright gold, while the back is black. It's an unmistakable update to a classic design.)

Incredible Dynamic Range

Go ahead and use it on screaming guitar amps, thrashing drums, a bagpipe ensemble, or a cathedral organ: the C 414 XL II's multi-position pad can attenuate its input down -6, -12, or -18 dB. When it's time to mic up the cannon that the United States Marine Corps Band uses on the 1812 Overture, the 414 can handle an earwax-melting 158 dB SPL with its -18 dB pad switched in. If even a millisecond of distortion occurs from clipping at the microphone, red LEDs will illuminate for about 2 seconds, so you'll know when it's time to engage the pad (or maybe back off the mic a bit from your source) But if you do happen to be recording a very quiet source, the XL II's electronics are even quieter, with an extremely low 6 dB-A self-noise. Long story short, with a dynamic range of 152 dB, there's not a lot you can't record with the C 414 XL II.

Product Description

The C414 XL II is the successor of the famous C414 B-TL II. It shows the unique sonic signature of the highly sought after AKG C12 which enables lead vocals and solo instruments to be placed even in a dense mix. The unrivaled up-front sound is also well-known for distant miking applications like classic music recording or drum ambiance miking.

The XL II version differs from the XLS version in one major respect - the capsule. Both, the slight presence boost and the impressive spatial reproduction is similar to the legendary C12 microphones.

For over 60 years, leading musicians and engineers have used legendary AKG microphones to capture their sound so their audience hears every nuance. The C414 family has been one of the world's most widely-used and respected studio and stage microphones in audio history. AKG has continually set benchmarks for useful features, improved technical specifications and ease of use to answer requests from ever-demanding recording studios, broadcast stations and audio engineers.

The models C414 XLS and C414 XLII offer nine pickup patterns which enable to choose the perfect setting for every application. For live-sound applications and permanent installations all controls can be disabled easily for trouble-free use. A Peak Hold LED displays even shortest overload peaks.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"AKG C414 XL2"

Sound:
I love options and this mic has 'em!! I record flamenco guitar and an occassional percussive instrument. I will definitely be getting another one in the near future. This mic is also great for mid/side recordings!!
Feature:
The multiple patterns are worth having as options. Its like have a couple of mics in one!
Ease of Use:
This microphone and a nice preamp can get you an awesome sound! I use a FMR RNP preamp with this mic and a SM 81 for stereo or m/s recordings.
Quality:
Seems like a sturdy mic as far as quality, since I dont plan on banging it against something anytime soon, but it seems like it can hold its ground.
Value:
Definitely worth it! Will be getting another one soon!
Manufacturer Support:
Havent had to use 'em.
The Wow Factor:
Wow factor-the way it captures my sound, enough said! Just get one..
Overall:
Killer mic!! Period.

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